Aldana said softly, "If Mom lives with you all, it'll bring trouble for Guoguo and Norris."
Guoguo looked up curiously, "What kind of trouble?"
"That person might end up hurting Guoguo." Her heart tightened into a knot. Her child was still so young, she couldn't let Philip Shaw find out about her. She had to ensure she grew up safe and sound, a normal person, not like her, adrift and without control over her life.
Guoguo shrank back into her embrace, scared, "Mom, is that person a bad guy?"
Aldana said softly, "Not a good person."
She sighed lightly, holding Guoguo while leaning against the bed.
Norris Moore wandered back from outside, opened the door, and saw that Aldana and her daughter were both already asleep.
Guoguo was nestled in Aldana's arms, small and obedient, sleeping soundly.
She stood at the doorway, watching the scene with a slight smile. Just as she was about to close the door and leave, Aldana opened her eyes.
"Norris, you're back?"
